Spring has arrived, the Sierra snows are now melting in earnest with fair weather ahead, the passes are starting to open and thoughts naturally turn to What to Do in the Sierra this Summer. The 13th annual Sierra Challenge is set for late August when most of the snows have melted, the mosquitoes have had their run, water is plentiful as is sunshine and plenty of daylight hours. 10 new peaks have been selected for the 2013 event including a number of the lesser-known 13ers. We're going to visit Northern Yosemite, the Little Lakes area, Bishop Pass and the Black Divide, Piute Pass and the Keyhole Plateau, the Red Lakes Trail, a return to Taboose Pass, Center Basin, the Whitney Area and a trek up the Baxter Pass Trail, the first time we've used this on the Challenge.

The all-new 2013 Sierra Challenge gives you ten days in August to challenge your stamina and your sanity amidst the beauty that is the Sierra Nevada. Leave your heavy backpacks and marginal camp foods behind. Climb some impressive peaks with a daypack and enjoy fine Eastern Sierra cuisine at day's end. Join us for one day or all ten, to test your legs in the backcountry or just to meet fellow SPers. We already have several dozen folks signed up this year, always room for more.

For those who aren't familiar with the yearly Challenge, in a nutshell - we drive up and down the Eastern Sierra for ten days and climb 1-2 cool peaks each day. Mostly carrying a light daypack, sometimes crampons/axe. It's primarily a hike/scramble event, with little technical rock climbing. It's generally a pretty exhausting day, but most participants would use the word "fun" somewhere in their varying descriptions. This is not a race, there are no official sponsors, and there are no prizes. There are no qualifications to join in the fun - everyone is welcome. The link above will give you all the info.

A handful of participants ponder the descent off the west side of Eocene Peak, Northern Yosemite on the first day of the 2012 Challenge. Slide Mtn in the background:

I am signed up, but need to solve a knee pain issue to join in the fun this summer. Geez, I hate to break my eight year record of participation! I do encourage others to join SC2013 for a great time. A good group of people and all skill levels can enjoy.

Had a lot of fun in 2010! Exploring lesser traveled peaks in Eastern Sierra is awesome, especially with a group of nice people. Would love to join you guys for a day or two. Will see what's up after my vacation...!